Complex Carbs VS Simple Carbs

Every runner, weight lifter, and fitness guru on planet earth knows the importance of getting enough carbohydrates and you should too. Carbohydrates are a part of what keeps us going and gives us energy throughout the day and without then we as human beings really couldn’t survive. Carbs are one of the primary sources that the body uses to convert into energy, others being fats and proteins. However carbohydrates are perhaps the most important because the body will turn them into energy before resorting to fats and proteins. Therefore having an optimal carb intake will ensure that you have enough energy throughout the day as well as for your workout without resorting to burning away your protein, or in other words your muscles. There is a distinction to be made however and this comes in the form of complex carbs versus simple carbs.

Complex Carbs VS Simple Carbs

There are 2 different types of carbohydrates, those being simple carbs and complex carbs, both of which can be utilized by the body for energy, but in different ways and to different effects. Complex carbs are the type of carbs that are ideally eaten for people who love to work out and are looking to have enough energy to get through a vigorous exercise routine. The reason for this is because complex carbs come in the form of a string of molecules made of sugars and they are much healthier than simple carbs. Complex carbs also often come along with healthy doses of dietary fiber as well.

The reasons as to why complex carbs are preferred over simple carbs is because they have a much higher energy value, or in other words they provide more and longer sustained energy than simple carbs. Complex carbs are harder for the body to break down and they take a little longer to metabolize, but that means that they supply the body with a constant source of good energy. Complex carbohydrates are fantastic because they are often accompanied by dietary fiber which aids in digestion and stomach health. Great sources of complex carbs include green vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, lentils, peas, and other starchy vegetables.

On the other hand, simple carbs are metabolized much easier by the body. This is because they come in the form of 1 or 2 simple sugar molecules that don’t take much effort for the body to digest. This may be good because it provides the body with a quick boost of energy, however that is all it is. Simple carbs will give you a lot of energy for a very short amount of time and will then cause you to crash. Therefore simple carbs are not ideal for anyone looking to maintain a high energy level and exercise on a regular basis. Besides that simple carbs often come in the form of unhealthy sugars which can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Simple carbs can be found in food items such as sugar, honey, syrup, baked goods, candy, fruit juice, and soft drinks.

Your best bet is to stay away from simple carbs and get on the complex carb train if you are looking to lose weight and build muscle.